With just a few tricks in mind, Halloween can still be a treat for children with type 1 diabetes (T1D). While children across the country are running from door to door and eating chocolates and candy by the bagful T1D may seem out of place. However, children with T1D can safely participate in all of the holiday activities with just a bit of planning and preparation. Here are a few tips to help your family have a happier Halloween!

*As always, contact your child’s physician and registered dietitian with any questions and to facilitate modifications in your child’s nutrition plan if necessary.

Candy Swap at JDRF Every child always gathers more candy on Halloween than they (and their parents) can ever eat, so JDRF is hosting a Candy Swap every day next week!

Bring your candy by the JDRF office before 5:00 p.m. any day Monday, November 2 through Friday, November 6 and swap it out for fun Halloween prizes! Plus, for every pound of candy you donate your child will be entered into a drawing to win a $30 gift card to a location of their choice! Children with T1D and their siblings are all welcome to participate. All donated candy will be used as “thank you” gifts to our many corporate partners that support JDRF year round. We invite your children to help us decorate donation gift bags while they are here. For more information, contact Tori Freeman at vfreeman@jdrf.org or 515-802-3333.

Plan Ahead Prepare your child as well as faculty and staff with information about type 1 diabetes before Halloween events begin. The holiday can be an opportunity to teach about health, science, and diet. Working with your child’s care team and contacts such as neighbors, teachers, and family friends can help ensure that everyone is on the same page when it comes to the family’s strategy for managing Halloween

Low Blood Sugar Saving some of that candy for treating low blood sugar reactions is a great idea. Remember that chocolate and other higher-fat treats don’t work well for treating lows, though, as the fat keeps glucose from entering the system quickly. Choose items with fast-acting sugars like gum drops, Starbursts, Twizzlers, and lollipops for those lower moments.

Switch Witch At the end of the night, the Switch Witch swaps candy for cash or toys.  A little candy on Halloween is OK, but most of their treats can be exchanged for something kids really want.

Check Blood Sugars Often Many parents think of Halloween as the time their child’s blood sugars will most definitely run high, but traipsing around in those costumes can be hard work! If you and your child are visiting neighbors on foot, all that walking could lower your child’s blood sugar. Conversely, the excitement and chaos of Halloween fun could end up raising your little ghoul’s levels. Be sure to check blood sugars carefully throughout the night to ensure that there are no hair-raising highs or troubling lows.

Have a safe and Happy Halloween!

Your Friends at JDRF Greater Iowa